Page 1: Intro, Packaging, Modules
Intro:
A few months ago, I »reviewed a DDR3 kit from Kingston that supported 1800MHz operation at fairly fast timings. It was criticized by some that the modules did not include XMP information to aid in easy system setup. Fast forward to the current market and the KHX14400D2K2/2GX delivers XMP support.
Packaging:
Just once I'd like to see a difference in packaging so I can have something interesting to say in this section. I guess the old saying of not fixing something that's not broken fits.
Modules:
The blue HyperX heatspreaders return for another kit. Kingston's primary blue coloring has remained this way since the original HyperX launched so long ago. These newer kits contain the revamped look and while it certainly looks great, the module's PCB is still green. A switch to blue or black would be nice (but rather useless). I would also suggest having a special black edition since black is a great color.
Unlike the previous kit I »reviewed, these modules are made for the overclocker and have tight timings with high speed. When I say tight timings, I mean tight for DDR3 running at 1800MHz (DDR3-1800, PC3-14400). The timings are 8-8-8-24 which is the same as the kit this is replacing. The required voltage for these timings and speed is 1.9V which is pretty much the standard for high performance memory. The command rate is 1T for the extra speed boost. I would still like to see additional information placed directly on the sticker.
As you can see, the heatspreaders are nicely packed onto the modules themselves. While Kingston still uses clips to hold them on, I would bother trying to take them off. I'm sure a future HyperX kits will do away with the clips entirely for a nice and seemless look. Even so, the modules don't get overly hot and I still believe that heatspreaders are more for looks than anything else.
This kit provides XMP support for Intel based motherboards that support reading this information. If your board can handle 1800MHz, it should be able to use these modules. We'll see how it works in the testing portion of the review. Normally, I don't bother with XMP settings but that is one of the key points of this new kit.
You really need to respect the laser etched heatspreaders even though they serve little purpose other than looks. These modules go well in a blue themed case.
A few months ago, I »reviewed a DDR3 kit from Kingston that supported 1800MHz operation at fairly fast timings. It was criticized by some that the modules did not include XMP information to aid in easy system setup. Fast forward to the current market and the KHX14400D2K2/2GX delivers XMP support.
Packaging:
Just once I'd like to see a difference in packaging so I can have something interesting to say in this section. I guess the old saying of not fixing something that's not broken fits.
Modules:
The blue HyperX heatspreaders return for another kit. Kingston's primary blue coloring has remained this way since the original HyperX launched so long ago. These newer kits contain the revamped look and while it certainly looks great, the module's PCB is still green. A switch to blue or black would be nice (but rather useless). I would also suggest having a special black edition since black is a great color.
Unlike the previous kit I »reviewed, these modules are made for the overclocker and have tight timings with high speed. When I say tight timings, I mean tight for DDR3 running at 1800MHz (DDR3-1800, PC3-14400). The timings are 8-8-8-24 which is the same as the kit this is replacing. The required voltage for these timings and speed is 1.9V which is pretty much the standard for high performance memory. The command rate is 1T for the extra speed boost. I would still like to see additional information placed directly on the sticker.
As you can see, the heatspreaders are nicely packed onto the modules themselves. While Kingston still uses clips to hold them on, I would bother trying to take them off. I'm sure a future HyperX kits will do away with the clips entirely for a nice and seemless look. Even so, the modules don't get overly hot and I still believe that heatspreaders are more for looks than anything else.
This kit provides XMP support for Intel based motherboards that support reading this information. If your board can handle 1800MHz, it should be able to use these modules. We'll see how it works in the testing portion of the review. Normally, I don't bother with XMP settings but that is one of the key points of this new kit.
You really need to respect the laser etched heatspreaders even though they serve little purpose other than looks. These modules go well in a blue themed case.